Pettifogger

Pronunciation: /ˈpɛtɪˌfɔɡər/

Definitions of pettifogger

noun a person who quibbles over trivial matters or engages in petty legal wrangling

Example Sentences

A1 The pettifogger tried to trick the old lady into signing a contract.

A2 The pettifogger was known for using deceptive tactics in court.

B1 The lawyer was accused of being a pettifogger by his colleagues.

B2 The pettifogger's unethical behavior led to his disbarment.

C1 The pettifogger's reputation for dishonesty preceded him wherever he went.

C2 The pettifogger's manipulative tactics were exposed during the high-profile trial.

Examples of pettifogger in a Sentence

formal The lawyer was accused of being a pettifogger by his colleagues.

informal I can't stand that pettifogger, always arguing over every little detail.

slang Don't listen to that pettifogger, he's just trying to confuse you.

figurative The politician was a master pettifogger, always finding a way to twist the truth.

Grammatical Forms of pettifogger

• past tense: pettifogged
• plural: pettifoggers
• comparative: more pettifogging
• superlative: most pettifogging
• present tense: pettifogs
• future tense: will pettifog
• perfect tense: have pettifogged
• continuous tense: is pettifogging
• singular: pettifogger
• positive degree: pettifogger
• infinitive: to pettifog
• gerund: pettifogging
• participle: pettifogged

Origin and Evolution of pettifogger

First Known Use: 1592 year

Language of Origin: English

Story behind the word: The word 'pettifogger' originated in England, derived from the combination of 'petty' meaning insignificant or small and 'fogger' meaning a huckster or peddler.

Evolution of the word: Originally used to describe a disreputable lawyer or a person who engages in underhanded or unethical practices, 'pettifogger' has evolved to also refer to someone who quibbles over trivial matters or acts in a deceitful manner.